In 2026, the requirements of Israeli government authorities for the preparation of foreign documents remain among the strictest in the world. Certification of translation by a notary is not just a formality, but a legal act confirming that the content of the document in Hebrew or another language is fully identical to the original. Without this procedure, documents issued outside Israel have no legal force within the country.
Notary Elena Gomelski provides professional certification of translations in Tel Aviv (Jaffa), complying with all current directives of the Israeli Ministry of Justice.
Types of notarial confirmation of translation
According to the Notaries Law, there are two fundamentally different methods of certification, and the choice depends on the requirements of the specific authority:
- Certificate of translation accuracy (Ishur Imut Targum): a notary who knows both languages personally confirms the accuracy of the translation. This is the highest level of trust required by Misrad HaPnim — the Ministry of Interior — and the courts.
- Certification of the translator’s signature (Ishur Hatzaat Targum): the notary confirms only the identity of the translator who signed a declaration confirming the accuracy of the translation.
Important: for most legalization procedures, for example STUPRO, the Israeli Ministry of Interior requires the first option — direct confirmation of translation accuracy by the notary.
Requirements of the main Israeli authorities
| Authority | Main requirements |
| Misrad HaPnim — Ministry of Interior | The translation must be bound together with the original or a notarized copy; an Apostille on the original is mandatory. |
| Misrad HaChinuch — Ministry of Education | For diploma recognition, an accurate translation of all transcripts, grades, and study hours is required. |
| Misrad HaBriut — Ministry of Health | Special attention is paid to medical terminology and accurate transliteration of medication names and diagnoses. |
| Database Registry / Courts | Only direct certification of translation accuracy by a notary is required. |
Mandatory elements of a properly certified translation
To ensure that your document is not rejected, it must include:
- Notarial certificate: a special form with a serial number, attached to the translation.
- Red seal and ribbon: physical binding of all pages to prevent page substitution.
- Signature and personal seal of the notary: including license details.
- Transliteration: first and last names must match the spelling in the foreign passport. If you have already made a notarial translation into Hebrew, make sure that the details are identical.
Why contact Elena Gomelski’s office in Tel Aviv?
We understand the specifics of Israeli bureaucracy. The office is located in central Tel Aviv, which is convenient for residents of Gush Dan. We check for the required Apostilles before starting the work, so that you do not spend money certifying a document that will ultimately not be accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a self-made translation be certified?
A notary can certify your translation only if it fully corresponds to the original and meets legal standards. In most cases, we recommend ordering a professional translation at our office to avoid mistakes.
Is an Apostille required on the notarial certification itself?
If you plan to use an Israeli document abroad, then after notarial certification, an Israeli Apostille must be placed on it at the court. For use within Israel, this is not required.
What is the difference between a notarized copy and certification of translation?
A notarized copy confirms that the copy matches the original. Certification of translation confirms that the text in another language corresponds to the meaning of the original.
Do you need official certification of documents?
Schedule a consultation with notary Elena Gomelski. We will prepare your documents in strict accordance with legal requirements.
Phone: 03-375-1178
Address: 3 HaOgen Street, Tel Aviv
You can also leave a request through the contact form on this page.
